Jharkhand NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Round: Merit List Out, Choice Filling Deadline Nov 9

The Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) has released the State Merit List for the NEET UG 2026 Special Stray Vacancy Round on November 7, 2026. This round fills remaining BDS and BHMS seats that were not allocated in earlier counselling phases. If your name appears on this merit list, you have a narrow window to complete your college preferences—the choice-filling deadline is November 9, 2026. This is typically the final opportunity to secure a seat in Jharkhand medical colleges for the 2026–27 academic year.

What is the Special Stray Vacancy Round and why does it matter?

A stray vacancy round is the final phase of counselling in any admission cycle. It exists to fill seats that remain empty after all regular counselling rounds conclude. In Jharkhand's NEET UG 2026 process, this round covers unfilled BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) positions across state colleges.

For many aspirants, the stray round is the last realistic chance to secure admission in the current academic year. Seats not filled during this phase may remain vacant for the entire year, or colleges may be forced to cancel them. If you have been waiting for an opportunity or were not satisfied with earlier allotments, this round is critical.

Key dates and timeline for Jharkhand Special Stray Round 2026

JCECEB has published a structured schedule to guide candidates through the stray round process. Understanding these dates is essential to avoid missing deadlines and losing your seat.

How to check if your name is on the merit list

The State Merit List and a separate Not Eligible List were both published on November 7, 2026, on the official JCECEB counselling portal at neetug.jceceb.co.in. Your first step is to verify whether you are eligible to participate in this round.

Visit the portal and search for your NEET UG roll number or name in the State Merit List PDF. If your name appears, you are eligible to fill choices. If your name is on the Not Eligible List instead, check the reason provided. Candidates on the Not Eligible List cannot participate in this round, but they can contact the board helpline to clarify their status if they believe there is an error.

• Visit neetug.jceceb.co.in
• Open the State Merit List link for the Special Stray Vacancy Round
• Search for your NEET UG roll number or name in the PDF
• If found, proceed to log in and fill choices
• If not found, check the Not Eligible List and note the reason

Step-by-step guide to filling your college choices

Once you confirm your name is on the merit list, you must log in to the portal with your registered credentials and fill your college preferences. This process is straightforward but requires careful attention, as your choices directly influence which college you are allotted.

Rank your preferred BDS and BHMS colleges in order of priority. The allotment algorithm will match your rank in the merit list with your preferences to assign you a seat. Always list colleges in genuine order of preference—do not randomly arrange them. After selecting all your choices, review them carefully, then lock them. Once locked, you cannot change them, so verify everything before finalizing. Save or print a copy of your locked choices for your records and future reference.

• Log in with your registered credentials
• Select your preferred BDS or BHMS colleges in order of priority
• Rank colleges based on your genuine preference, not randomly
• Review all choices carefully before locking
• Lock your choices before the November 9 deadline
• Save or print a copy of the locked choices

Understanding the merit list and seat allotment process

Seats in the stray round are allotted strictly by your rank in the State Merit List. Your NEET UG score determines your rank, and candidates with higher scores (lower rank numbers) are considered first. The allotment system then matches your rank with your filled preferences to assign you a college.

This means that even if you fill choices, you will only be allotted a seat if your rank is called and a seat is available in one of your preferred colleges. If all your preferred colleges have filled their seats by the time your rank is processed, you may not receive an allotment in this round. This underscores the importance of filling a realistic range of colleges—include some colleges where your rank is likely to secure a seat, not just your dream colleges.

What to do if your name is on the Not Eligible List

If your name appears on the Not Eligible List instead of the State Merit List, you are ineligible for the stray round. The list includes a reason for your rejection. Common reasons include not meeting domicile requirements, failing to qualify in the NEET UG exam, or having already been allotted a seat in an earlier round.

If you believe the reason is incorrect or there is an error, contact the JCECEB helpline immediately. The board provides support via email at jceceboard@gmail.com or by phone at 9264473891 or 9264473893. Do not delay—the choice-filling window closes on November 9, and any clarification must happen quickly.

Documents you must prepare for admission

If you are allotted a seat, you will receive a provisional allotment letter between November 10 and 16, 2026. You must then report to your allotted college for document verification during the same window (November 11–16). Bring all required documents in original form along with photocopies. Colleges will not admit you without complete documentation.

Prepare these documents now, even before the allotment result, so you are ready to report immediately after receiving your letter. Any delay in reporting or missing documents can result in forfeiture of your seat.

• NEET UG 2026 admit card and scorecard
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Provisional seat allotment letter from the portal
• Domicile and category certificates (if applicable)
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence)
• Recent passport-size photographs (4–6 copies)

Important notes on All India quota seats and MBBS

The stray round announcement covers BDS and BHMS seats under the state quota. JCECEB has issued a separate notice dated November 3, 2026, for All India quota seats in MBBS and BDS courses. This notice is published on the JCECEB website at jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in. If you are eligible for All India quota counselling, refer to that notice for its schedule and process—it operates independently from the state stray round.

What to do if you don't receive an allotment

If your rank is not called during the stray round, or if all your preferred colleges fill before your turn, you will not receive an allotment. In this case, monitor the JCECEB portal for any vacancy notices issued after admissions close. Some colleges may report cancellations or additional vacancies, and a supplementary round may be announced. Stay in touch with the board and check the portal regularly until the admission cycle officially closes.

Frequently asked questions

If your name is on the Jharkhand State Merit List, act immediately: log in to neetug.jceceb.co.in, fill and lock your college choices by November 9, 2026, and prepare all required documents for verification. Monitor the portal from November 10 onwards for your allotment result and report to your college within the verification window to secure your seat.